While TV shows are cancelled every year, there are certain projects that live on long after the series wraps. This is definitely the case with Freaks and Geeks, which had one short season from 1999-2000. The teen dramedy was the first big break for plenty of future stars, including Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, James Franco, and Busy Phillips. While it was cancelled by NBC before it finished its first season, Freaks and Geeks has gone on to become a cult favorite, and is available to stream for Netflix users. With so many TV revivals currently being aired (and cancelled), there have been plenty of calls for Freaks and Geeks to return decades later. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like that's a possibility. Silicon Valley actor Martin Starr recently shut down the possibility of a revival, saying:
Definitely not. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm going to break this to you the only way I know how. Definitely no way in hell... I don't think you'd be happy! I'm going to try and talk you out of it. You wouldn't enjoy it if it happened. Just imagine, we're a bunch of ugly old people now. We're not the kids you look back and are like, 'That's just like me! I was awkward and weird in high school.' Now we're like shit pigs, grown ass shit pigs.
It looks like Freaks and Geeks might just not be the right project for a TV revival. Since it was a show following kids in High School, it wouldn't be the same to see the same cast as grown adults. Martin Starr may have poked fun at the physical appearance of the cast, but his point about the lack of content or story is certainly valid.
Martin Starr broke Freaks and Geeks fans hearts at The Wrap's Emmy Panel. While everyone involved in the show seems to be thankful for the show's brief life and the connections it fostered, Starr makes it seem like nobody is talking about a TV revival. Plus, the cast has gone on to become wildly successful, so it would be a scheduling nightmare to attempt and bring back both the starring and supporting cast for some sort of William McKinley High School reunion.
Martin Starr was also sure to mention his appreciation for the fans, and their continued interest in the series, saying:
But you can dream about it. Please, write your fan fiction. I'll read it! I'll gladly do a reading. We'll get a reading together for you no problem! Let's do a fan fiction episode 19.
It's not clear if a new Freaks and Geeks season would really resonate with mainstream audiences. Aside from being a cult favorite that isn't exactly a household name, TV fans may be getting sick of the trend of nostalgia. Shows like Will and Grace and Gilmore Girls have already had new episodes, while upcoming revivals like Murphy Brown are still coming down the pipeline.
You can watch the first brief season of Freaks and Geeks on Netflix. In the meantime, check out our summer premiere list to plan your next binge watch. Plus our Amazon premiere list and superhero premiere list to ensure you don't miss a single episode of your favorite show!
